The former Sunderland star has made 180 appearances since joining in June 2011, netting 20 goals, and his natural leadership skills on the pitch saw Brendan Rodgers install him as vice-captain in September.

The 24-year-old is a regular starter in the Reds midfield, and is set to be handed the captain’s armband when Anfield legend Steven Gerrard leaves for the MLS in the summer.

The Merseyside club have suffered a disappointing season, as they are to end the campaign – once more – trophyless, and in recent weeks Rodgers has had to contend with an FA Cup exit and off the field concerns, as well as poor form that has seen them drift from the top four.

However, the Reds boss and supporters will be delighted to finally hear some exciting news.

After signing his new contract, the midfielder expressed his joy at committing his future at Liverpool, telling the official website:

“I’m over the moon that it’s finally done.

“There has been talk about it for a while now. It’s brilliant news for me to commit my future to this football club – I really feel that it’s a good time for us to look forward to the future, with the squad we’ve got, the manager, the size of the club and the fans we’ve got. I really think, over the next few years, we can challenge and start winning trophies.

“That’s the next phase; we’ve improved massively over the last few years, and I think the next phase for us is to start challenging for titles and trophies as well.”

Liverpool fans will hope that Raheem Sterling follows suit, having refused to commit his future to Anfield so far.